Seventeen members of the Ulster Farmers’ Union Next Generation Forum embarked on an insightful study trip to Holland this week, exploring innovative farming practices and gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Dutch agriculture.
They visited the LTO offices in The Hague, where they engaged in an in-depth discussion on the environmental challenges currently facing Dutch farmers. They also explored Holland’s political system and how it impacts the agricultural sector.
On Wednesday, the group visited a dairy farm that serves as an environmental demonstration farm, showcasing sustainable practices aimed at balancing productivity with environmental stewardship. That afternoon, they travelled to Rotterdam to see the world-renowned floating farm, a unique initiative combining dairy farming with cutting-edge environmental and urban farming techniques.
Thursday offered an early start at the flower markets, giving the group an opportunity to witness the vibrant and highly efficient trade that underpins Holland’s global reputation for horticulture. This was followed by visits to two contrasting glasshouse enterprises – one family-owned and the other corporate-run – providing valuable insights into different approaches to greenhouse production.
UFU Next Generation Forum members described the trip as “incredibly insightful,” gaining inspiration and knowledge to bring back to Northern Ireland. The study visit highlighted the importance of innovation and collaboration in tackling environmental and agricultural challenges, which will prove invaluable for the future of the farming industry.
